Losing Ladd

by Dianne Venetta

  She’d been mad. Partly because it was true. Troy hadn’t been able to hold down a job. Her father was a skunk. Travis had been right. She’d been wrong.

  Well, not totally wrong. Her father was a louse but Troy wasn’t. A smile touched her heart. He was a cowboy. Now he was a father and a good one at that.

  “Felicity.” Travis tugged at her hand, encouraging her to look at him. She obliged, a sharp heartache weaving through years of memories as she clung to his gaze. “I don’t blame you for saying the things you did. I can get bull-headed, I know it, but I should have let you have your say, make your own decisions. I haven’t been trying to coddle you. Well, not really.” He walked the statement back with a small smile. “I just want you to be okay. It doesn’t mean I don’t think you can take care of yourself. I do. I know you can. I just want you to need me.” He stilled, brown eyes shining as he asked, “Is that so bad?”

  “No, Travis, no. It’s not bad at all. I do need you. A lot.” Images of Jeremiah flashed through her mind’s eye, the Ladd brothers... If that didn’t prove she needed Travis, Felicity didn’t know what did! “I’ll always need you but—”

  When she hesitated, he asked, “But?”

  “Sometimes, maybe the way I’ll need you will change.”

  He chuckled, the sound warm and natural. “I get it. Women. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em.”

  She dished out a pout. “Travis.”

  “I’m kidding.” Fixing his gaze on their hands, he tugged at their hold. “I just want you to love me.”

  “I do, Travis. So much,” Felicity insisted and meant it, from the very core of her being. She loved Travis, for what he stood for, where he came from...even how he wanted to take charge. It made him strong in her eyes, a man who would make a solid partner in life, like Nick was for her mom. Travis would be that man. And she wanted him to be hers.

  “Will you marry me?”

  She blinked. A rash of nerves sprinted through her belly. “Marry you?”

  He nodded. “When we graduate college, will you marry me?”

  Love and adoration toppled through her. He wanted to marry her. Marry her. “Yes. Yes, Travis. I’ll marry you,” she gushed.

  He grinned and cocked an eyebrow. “Now listen, this isn’t my proposal. For that I’m going to do it right. I just wanted you to promise.” Travis angled his head and pinned her with a teasing gaze. “I don’t want you running off with some other guy while I’m in law school.”

  Felicity erupted into a giggle. Why would she do that?

  There was no other guy in the world for her but Travis. Clutching hold of him, she said, “I love you,” pained by words she hadn’t uttered often enough. “I love you.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Ashley Fulmer waved them over from across the lawn, a host of jangles sliding down her forearm, a United States Flag emblem glittering in the sun against the blue of her shirt. Standing beside her, Fran Jones grinned, waved wildly, her hair loose and shining a vibrant red in the sunlight of a cloudless May afternoon. Surrounded by her inner circle--her mom and Nick, Malcolm, Lacy, Emma Jane and Travis—Felicity waved back. Warmed by the sight of the two women, Felicity was glad to see Fran in attendance. It meant Jimmy Sweeney was doing well in his role as Assistant Manager of Fran’s Diner.

  Taking in the scent of smoky barbecue and live country music, the tangle of final exams cleared from her mind. She was home. Secure in the lap of love and comfort. The last nine months had been tough. After nearly losing her mom in a fire and Travis to a gunshot wound, Felicity struggled to maintain focus on her studies at college. She’d wanted to forego the school year altogether to stay home and help care for the two of them, but her mother wouldn’t have it. You’re going to school, period. Travis echoed the sentiment, insisting Felicity needed to stay on course. He’d return to school after a semester of recovery and catch up for lost time by taking extra classes. Felicity had resisted but in the end, Nick convinced her to go. Her mom was in good hands. Travis would be watched twenty-four-seven by his parents.

  More importantly, Nick said, Felicity needed to take care of herself and get her life back to normal. Inhaling the sight of her family and friends, a yard filled with people she grew up with, Felicity couldn’t disagree with him. Normal was good. Welcome. After what Jeremiah Ladd and Jillian Devane had done to her family, Felicity was grateful to be home without worry or stress. And there was no place like Ashley’s annual picnic to lift a girl’s spirits and take her mind off her troubles.

  “Ashley’s been waiting to see you,” Delaney said, nudging her forward. “Why don’t you go on ahead and we’ll get some drinks and join you.”

  Peering into brown eyes that shone with affection, Felicity hesitated. Her mom’s blonde hair was shorter now, cut shoulder-length after her hospital ordeal. With an abundance of long, thick hair, she could have camouflaged the missing section but opted against it. Hair would grow back, she said. She was ready for a change. Not only shorter, there were wisps of long bangs framing her face and Felicity thought the style made her look younger. Nick approved as well, but that was nothing new. He approved of most things her mother did.

  Glancing up at him, he looked ever the outdoorsman in his plaid shirt, jeans and boots. Broad shoulders, gentle smile, Felicity felt a pinprick of longing. Nick had been her mother’s rock. He never left her side, made sure she followed doctor’s orders, didn’t return to work too soon. He also rebuilt her stables in less than six months to ensure she had somewhere to go when she was healthy enough. She did, and according to all sources, business was back to normal.

  But they were set to travel at the end of the summer, scouting a location for the next Harris Hotel and Felicity would miss her. She was happy for her mom but knowing she wasn’t an hour’s drive away would be hard. Exhaling heavily, she released the clutch of tension. Felicity understood it was time to let go. She was an adult and needed to grow into her own life. Trouble was, she liked the one she had now.

  “C’mon, Felicity,” Travis said, placing a hand to the small of her back. “Let’s go say hi to Ashley.”

  Heartbeats peppered her breast. Transported back to high school when Travis’ every touch electrified, Felicity shook the gray clouds from her reverie. Strong and steadfast, he was her future—a gorgeous one at that in his red T-shirt, his silky brown hair combed slightly off to the side of his face, dark eyes simmering as they held her close. He’d only arrived home from college yesterday and Felicity was still getting used to having him close. After everything they’d been through together, it felt good to be back together. Really good and she was eager to spend the afternoon by his side. “Let’s,” she agreed excitedly.

  Clasping hands, Travis and Felicity headed for Ashley.

  “They’ve come a long way,” Malcolm said, watching them go.

  Delaney nodded, overwhelmed with pride and love as a deep ache wound through her heart. Felicity shouldn’t have had to overcome anything, yet she had. Strong and bright, she had come through with amazing brilliance. Travis had faced a tougher road, battling a wound infection that nearly took his life, but he overcame the odds and stood firmly entrenched by her daughter’s side as though nothing had ever happened. “They certainly have.”

  Catching Emma Jane’s flying hand, Malcolm cupped it within his, wiggling it playfully. “No, hitting.”

  The chubby baby squealed in delight. “No, Daddy!”

  The group laughed as Lacy tapped a finger to the little girl’s nose. “Listen to your Daddy,” she said, then to the adults, “I think putting the bad guys behind bars helped.”

  “I think you’re right,” Delaney agreed. “It gave Felicity the peace of mind she needed to let go.” A feat accomplished in no small part because of Lacy. After her initial recognition of the Ladd boys in the cell phone photo, the police were able to track them down and hold them on suspicion of robbery. Once Travis was physically able, he gave a complete statement to the police, and combined with Felicity�
�s account of events, Jeremiah was easily convicted. He was currently trying to appeal the verdict, but his case would go nowhere. He had no grounds. Robby and Billy were in jail too, thanks to the eyewitness testimony of the hotel staff.

  “Can’t say as I blame her,” Nick said. “Knowing Jillian is finally behind bars where she belongs is a nice feeling and all too ironic that it was her penchant for expensive handbags that sealed her fate.” He hugged Delaney to his side. “Sure makes traveling a whole lot easier knowing she won’t be able to create trouble while we’re away.”

  “Where are ya’ll going?” Lacy asked, her big blue eyes latching onto Delaney. “Have you decided, yet?”

  Touching her gaze briefly to Lacy’s growing midsection, Delaney smiled. “He won’t tell me. Only that it’s warm and I won’t need much in the way of clothing.”

  Lacy giggled. “Good for you, Nick Harris. It’s about time Delaney got out of this town and saw something of the world.” Running a hand over the top of her belly, she said, “Malcolm and I have plans to go the Caribbean in January.”

  Delaney gaped at her. “So soon? What about the baby?”

  “Well, why not? John Christopher will be four-months-old by then and plenty ready for travel.”

  “You want to bring a newborn to the islands? Emma Jane, too?”

  “I have children,” Lacy snipped. “I’m going to the islands. Where’s the problem?”

  Malcolm laughed. “Lacy refuses to allow motherhood to stop her from going places.” He shook his head, adding, “And I’m not going to argue with her.” Bouncing Emma Jane in his arms, he said, “Our trip to California with this princess was a breeze and I have no doubt John Christopher will be just as easy. Besides, Rosalie will be joining us.”

  Delaney brushed the bangs from her eyes, then tucked her hands into the front pockets of her jeans. “Now it makes sense.” Rosalie was their live-in nanny. She’d handle the babies while Malcolm and Lacy enjoyed their trip.

  “Does Rosalie have a sister?” Nick asked, circling his arms around Delaney’s waist.

  “Why?” Lacy asked, then her eyes rounded, locking onto Delaney. “Are you pregnant?”

  “No,” Delaney snapped.

  “Not yet,” Nick quipped, tightening his grip against Delaney’s struggle to get free. “But it’s wise to be prepared, don’t you think?”

  Malcolm’s pale blue eyes danced beneath the black of his brow, his tanned skin glowing as youthfully as the ivory-pink cheeks of his daughter. Despite the shock of gray hair, Malcolm looked much younger than his forty-plus years. “I think it’s perfect. You and Troy will have those kids on horseback, jumping creeks before they can walk.”

  “Someone call my name?” Troy asked, strolling up behind them with Casey and Cassidy Jo in tow. As usual, he was decked out in black T-shirt and cowboy hat, his dark eyes twinkling mischievously. Casey wore a cute blue sundress and boots, Cassidy Jo dressed nearly identical, plus a matching hat to protect her fair skin. Next to one another, Cassidy Jo and Emma Jane could be sisters, the two boasted the same black hair and blue eyes. That Owens blood line sure was a strong one, Delaney mused.

  “We were talking about Delaney’s new baby.”

  Troy and Casey dropped their jaws. “You’re pregnant?” he asked.

  “No, Troy, I’m not pregnant,” she said, breaking away from Nick’s grasp. “These men are having fun at my expense.”

  Casey poked an elbow into his side and he said, “I’m not sayin’ it would be a bad thing...just...ya know...” Troy gave up explanation with a sheepish smile.

  “Don’t worry. I’m not offended. Babies are not what you expect from women my age.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with women your age having babies,” Nick said. “Look at Lacy. She’s living proof.”

  Delaney swiped her with a glance and grunted.

  “Where’s Felicity?” Casey asked, seemingly eager to change subjects.

  Delaney pointed. “She and Travis went to say hello to Ashley.”

  “Oh, good. I’m glad she’s here. I wanted to ask her if she and Travis wanted to go riding after the picnic.”

  “Felicity doesn’t need much prodding when it comes to a ride with Blue,” Delaney said. “She’d been riding every day since she arrived home last weekend.”

  Casey beamed. “C’mon, Troy. Let’s go.”

  Cassidy Jo reached her arms out for him and with a wry smile, he tipped his hat and took his daughter from her mother. “Yes, dear. Your wish is my command.”

  Delaney chuckled. Troy had certainly adapted to married life and did so with obvious pleasure. Because he was happy, she deemed. Now that he had a future to look forward, he focused on his wife and child and never looked back. Jack had not only dropped the charges but left town under the cover of night. Delaney suspected he left the state. Knowing she could press charges against him, Jack would want to be as far away from Tennessee as he could get. A good thing.

  “Let’s go get those drinks,” Nick said.

  Following him, the group headed to the food table where pitchers of lemonade and sweet tea sat in tubs of ice. Beside them, crowded on a red and white checkered tablecloth, bowls of collards and green beans competed for space with mashed potatoes and coleslaw alongside platters of fried chicken and biscuits and baskets filled with cornbread. Dessert was on a second table and consisted of pies and cobblers, cookies and jams, just to name a few. The grilled chicken, ribs and burgers would be found over near Ashley’s husband, Booker. Faithfully manning the grill, he refused to let his meat sit cold on a table, making guests come to him for their serving.

  Nick grabbed four red Solo cups and poured a round of tea for each.

  “I’ll have water,” Lacy said.

  Malcolm reached down into a cooler and grabbed her a bottle.

  Breaking from a conversation with his brother, Cal and Annie Foster sauntered over. “I was wondering if ya’ll would make it,” Cal said good-naturedly.

  Delaney balked. “Are you kidding? If I missed one of Ashley’s Memorial Day picnics, she’d have my hide.”

  Cal laughed. “True.”

  “Besides, who’d want to miss this food?” Delaney extended her hand out over the buffet. “It’s a feast fit for kings!”

  “That it is.”

  “Casey is so happy to have Felicity home,” Annie said, placing a hand over the breast of her frilly white blouse. “She really misses her when she’s away.”

  Delaney nodded, admiring the white diamond-bezel watch on Annie’s wrist. She thought it sporty yet feminine and perfectly suited for Cal’s wife. She was a woman of means now, and a damn good salon manager. “Has she given any more thought to going to college?”

  “The girls have talked about it, but I don’t think Casey is ready to leave Troy for even a month at a time, let alone four. She’s content to finish out her two-year degree at the community college.” Annie shrugged. “We’ll see where she goes from there.”

  “Never too late,” Nick pitched in with a wink.

  Delaney knew full well he was dually referring to her and motherhood, but she refused to indulge him by acknowledging the same. The mere thought of having a baby unnerved her. A newborn? At her age? Though watching Lacy load a plate with food, she had to admit, the woman pulled it off rather well. Baby number two hadn’t made a dent in her lifestyle. Delaney was only a few years older. Would it really be that bad?

  “Malcolm tells me your parents are renewing their vows,” Nick said, sliding an arm around Delaney’s shoulders. “Would they like to have the ceremony at the hotel? It’s on me, as a wedding gift.”

  Cal shook his head. “Appreciate the offer, but I think they’re set on doing so at the ranch. They want an intimate ceremony with only family in tow.”

  “That sounds about right,” Nick agreed. “Family is what counts.”

  Delaney felt a tremor race through her and leaned into the warmth of Nick’s body. She was happy for Gerald and Victoria but couldn’t shake the thoug
ht of what might have been. If Ernie hadn’t stepped between them, she had no doubt her mom would have married Gerald. Their love was clearly evident in the words scrawled across the pages she’d read. When Cal had shared them with her, her first reaction had been one of gratitude. But as she read the final word, her heart filled with regret. Delaney couldn’t help but feel her mother’s pain. In the end, it had been a love lost. Replaced with another, perhaps, but nothing could diminish the emotion held in those envelopes.

  Settling her gaze on Cal, Delaney thought about his family. Did he feel it, too? Did he understand what really happened all those years ago?

  As though reading her thoughts, Cal’s gaze lingered on hers, mellowing as if accepting things neither of them could change. He seemed to look straight into her mind and say, “It wasn’t meant to be.”

  Life was funny that way, taking twists and turns like a mountain trail. Follow it long enough and one can stumble on unexpected beauty, like Zack’s Falls. Take risks, explore unchartered territory, and get treated to a panorama vista seen only from the mountaintop.

  Inhaling deeply, Delaney took in the people around her, the mountain ridge in the distance, the fields of green dotted with blossoms. This was the heartland. Her home. She’d found gold on this land, in more ways than one. Nick Harris was a gem, more precious to her than a valley full of shimmery metal. Casting her gaze to Felicity, Delaney believed the same held true for her daughter. Travis was a special kid. A keeper. Hands entwined, Felicity and Travis seemed content. Casey and Troy, Annie and Cal, Lacy and Malcolm...they’d all found true love in these hills. They all had bright futures to look forward. Eyes drifting upward, Delaney closed her eyes and thanked God for her good fortune. Life was good in “these parts.” She smiled. Better than good.

  # # #